Why Your Beauty Routine Needs a Primer

July 27th, 2017

The one beauty product that appeared on the shelves of makeup stores worldwide several years ago, but that somehow still does not get all the credit it deserves is without a doubt the primer. Makeup lovers’ opinions and reviews on the primer have been mixed; while some swear by it, others dismiss it. The reason for the existence of this second and unfavourable opinion can most likely be accredited to the fact that there are now numerous primers that differ in quality, texture and suitability for different skin types and skin tones.

People who oppose primers simply haven’t found the right one. The search for the Holy Grail among primers is quite similar to that of the search for the perfect shade of red lipstick. However, you must do your homework; find the one that fits, and once you do, you will wonder how your makeup game ever survived without one. This is where a helping hand is absolutely necessary and we are here to lend one; help you discover the benefits of incorporating the mighty primer and finding the perfect one.

You put on your foundation, sans primer, an hour passes and you feel like your face has either shed or soaked up all the foundation. Does this ring any bells? Yes, skin that swallows foundation is not a myth, it happens to more gals out there than you might think. This is exactly why you’re in dire need of a great moisturizing primer. Luckily, the makeup gods have smiled and have bestowed us with primers for every skin type, so take your pick among, not one, but nine amazing hydrating primers and start gracing your skin with one as of today.

The Despised Pores

Those who don’t have an issue with enlarged pores should consider themselves blessed and be grateful for their almost perfect skin. Even if other people are not aware of your pores, you will be aware of them, and they may make you feel insecure and self-conscious.

A mistake many women make is piling two or even three layers of foundation in order to conceal and blur this pesky imperfection. No! layer upon layer will only make the thing that you’re trying to hide all the more visible. So, where does one turn to for salvation? A primer! What your skin needs is something like Ofra Absolute Cover Face Primer as this type is dedicated to reducing the visibility of pores and making sure your makeup stays put.

Shattering The Myth

There is a vicious rumour going around that oily skin doesn’t require a primer. Most women battling oily skin will resort to foundations promising that perfect matte effect and what they end up with is that unwanted and shine that lurks and lurks and then pops up all across the T-zone when they least expect it. Yes, there are primers which contain ingredients that are comedogenic (pore clogging), as explained by beauty chemist Ni’kita Wilson.

However, not all primers are made equal. Jasmine Garnsworthy from Byrdie, who, in her own words, has tried every primer that promises to combat over-enthusiastic oil production. Some of the primers were hits, some misses, so hop over and see what really works for you. Some of them even promise to keep the makeup in place for hours on end, and that’s a mighty big thing for oily skin.

Primer For Every Colour

There are times when a primer isn’t right for you not because of your skin type, but your skin tone. When choosing beauty products there are numerous factors to consider. For instance, if your skin is fair with a yellow undertone, you need a lavender-coloured primer to neutralize the yellow. If you’re that girl, you need something like E.L.F. Tone Adjusting Face Primer. On the other hand, if redness and rosacea are what you’re battling, your colour of choice should be green. NYX Studio Perfect Photo-Loving Primer Anti-Redness might just do the trick, and beyond concealing the redness, it also makes your face photo-ready, no filter required. Age spots, dark circles, and patches of melasma – this struggle is definitely real. To make things peachy – resort to peach coloured primers. Salmon-coloured primers won’t undo the damage, but they will do a brilliant job of hiding it. Last, but certainly not least are dark skin tones. The two primers dark-skinned girls swear by come from Too Faced Cosmetics and Neutrogena.

To sum up, the ways a great and suitable primer will salvage and enhance your makeup game are as follows: they provide moisture, correct discolouration, blur pores, keep the makeup in place and make sure you don’t get streaks and your foundation doesn’t cake. That velvety smooth finish is what we all desire, and that’s why primers were invented. Because we deserve them.

About the Author

Sophia Smith

Sophia Smith is an Australian based fashion, beauty and lifestyle blogger, graphic designer, lover of vintage treasures, basics, white and D,I,Y enthusiast. Design plays a huge role in her personal expression. She has contributed to a number of publications including: LA Fashion, Viva Glam Magazine, Just Haves, Everyday Power Blog, How to Simplify and Carousel.